Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. The tubes swell and produce mucus, or phlegm. The mucus and inflamed bronchial tubes make you cough. You may have trouble breathing.
Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses like those that cause colds. Antibiotics most often do not help and they may cause harm.
Bronchitis usually develops rapidly and lasts about 2 to 3 weeks in people who are otherwise healthy.
Bronchitis is inflammation and irritation of the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lungs. Coughing is the main symptom. Other symptoms can include mucus (sputum) when coughing, fever, and mild wheezing.
Bronchitis is usually caused by infection from a virus (less commonly with bacteria or a fungus). It can also develop after exposure to chemicals or air pollution, including tobacco smoke.
There are two types of bronchitis.
The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough that usually is dry and hacking. After a few days, the cough may bring up mucus. You may have a low fever and feel tired. Most people get better in 2 to 3 weeks. But some people have a cough for more than 4 weeks.
Most people can treat symptoms of acute bronchitis at home. They don't need antibiotics or other prescription medicines. Antibiotics don't help with viral bronchitis. And even bronchitis caused by bacteria will usually go away on its own.
If you have signs of bronchitis and have heart or lung disease (such as heart failure, asthma, or COPD) or another serious health problem, talk to your doctor right away. You may need treatment with antibiotics or medicines to help with your breathing. Early treatment may prevent problems, such as pneumonia or repeated cases of acute bronchitis caused by bacteria.
Here are several things you can do to help prevent bronchitis.
If you smoke, stop. People who smoke or are around others who smoke have acute bronchitis more often. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
This is especially important if you have other health problems.
And talk to your doctor about whether you should get a pneumococcal vaccine.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. This usually gives the doctor enough information to find out if you have acute bronchitis.
In some cases, you may need a chest X-ray or other tests. These tests are to make sure that you don't have pneumonia, whooping cough, or another lung problem. This is especially true if you've had bronchitis for a few weeks and aren't getting better. More testing also may be needed for babies, older adults, and people who have lung disease (such as asthma or COPD) or other health problems.
When you have acute bronchitis, there are things you can do to feel better.
If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
Cough drops won't stop your cough, but they may make your throat feel better.
The heat and moisture can help keep mucus in your airways moist so you can cough it out easily.
This may include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve fever and body aches.
Cough suppressants may help you to stop coughing. Expectorants can help you bring up mucus when you cough.
Bronchitis means that the tubes that carry air to the lungs (the bronchial tubes) are inflamed and irritated. When this happens, the bronchial tubes swell and produce mucus. This makes you cough.
There are two types of bronchitis:
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Often a person gets it a few days after having an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or the flu. Sometimes it is caused by bacteria. It also can be caused by breathing in things that irritate the bronchial tubes, such as smoke.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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